Debated in Parliament on 6 Mar 2026.
Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the number of National Servicemen applying for redeployment under the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme and the success rate of these applications. Chan Chun Sing explained that the scheme, introduced in 2022, allows operationally ready NSmen with specialized civilian expertise to be redeployed to roles needed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Approximately 1,000 NSmen show interest annually, with a 20% success rate for redeployment. The Work-Learn Scheme is distinct from redeployment, involving full-time NS followed by Regular service.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) how many National Servicemen have applied for redeployment under the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme and work-learn schemes in each of the past three years; (b) what is the success rate of these applications; and (c) what specific criteria or skill gaps currently limit the redeployment of these National Servicemen with private sector tech expertise.
We introduced the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme in 2022 to optimise the deployment of our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Under the scheme, suitable NSmen can be redeployed from their existing Operationally Ready National Service roles if they have acquired specialised civilian expertise that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) requires. NSmen have been redeployed to support the SAF in existing and emerging domains such as Medical, Legal, Digital, Cyber, and Communications.
As it is a fairly new scheme, the numbers have yet to stabilise. In the past three years, about 1,000 NSmen have indicated interest in the scheme annually through direct applications or via our units who proactively identify suitable NSmen. Interested NSmen undergo a selection process to determine if they have the appropriate skillsets matched to the available openings. Thus far, about 20% of interested NSmen have been redeployed under the scheme.
The Work-Learn Scheme is not a redeployment scheme. Servicemen who sign up for such schemes undergo a combination of full-time NS followed by Regular service.